Wipfli LLP has merged in BIK & Co. LLP, an accounting and advisory firm based in Chicago, effective Jan. 1, 2017.
Wipfli has been growing its footprint in Chicago in the past year, and the combination with BIK marks the Milwaukee-based firm’s third merger in the last 12 months in the Windy City area.
BIK dates back to 1968 and has three offices in Palatine, Vernon Hills and Burr Ridge, Illinois. Last year, Wipfli merged in Weltman Bernfield and Steinberg Advisors in Illinois (see
In the latest deal, 58 BIK professionals, including 13 partners, are joining Wipfli. The combined firm will have more than 1,800 associates (including over 200 employees in the Chicago area) and 43 offices in the U.S. and India.
“We are excited to welcome BIK to Wipfli,” said Wipfli managing partner Rick Dreher in a statement. “Wipfli has been growing significantly in the Chicago area over the past five years and this combination with BIK will help us to further enhance our physical presence in this key market. Further, BIK’s long history in Chicago, their strong reputation for providing exceptional client service, and their industry and service focuses, greatly complement Wipfli.”
Wipfli ranked 19th on Accounting Today’s 2016 list of the Top 100 Firms, with $227 million in annual revenue.
BIK offers audit, tax and advisory services to closely held businesses, organizations and individuals in the Chicagoland area and other parts of the U.S. The firm focuses on servicing financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, schools and high-net-worth individuals. It also provides specialized services such as fraud detection, forensic accounting, employee benefit plan audits and estate and succession planning.
“Similar to Wipfli, BIK has established a history of success through building strong client relationships and helping our clients to overcome challenges that are constantly changing,” said BIK managing partner Larry Schmitt in a statement. “Through this combination with Wipfli, we will continue to provide our clients with the same exceptional service, but can also provide them with access to a larger network of experts and resources and deep industry experience to help them as they continue to evolve. This combination will also provide our employees with access to more extensive training and professional development opportunities.”
